Bag-closing method and apparatus



MA.EmCKSON.

BAG CLOSING METHOD AND APPARATUS Fil ed June 19, 1924 8 Sheets 5heet 1 \5 INVE/Y TOR N/YRC us 6'1 ER/c/ro ON [776:- j 4% @MW Wrroemsra Aug. 25, 1925.

M. A. ERICKSON BAG CLOSING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed June 19, 1924 8 Sheets 5hee 287 3 [m E/v To? Mswcu A? ER/C/(JOA/ F7 2 21 221 Wi w m Aug. 25, 1925. .k

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M. A. ERICKSON BAG CLOSING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed June 19, 1924 8 ets-Sheet 5 lm l 84 w 7/ a L i 109 40 *3 1 ,5 if, a W E a /za /4 i I l E I l //0 /25 //Z /30 INVENTOR Z 6 /7/7RCI/\S fR/GHJO/V I Aug. 25, 1925. '1 551,522

M. A. ERICKSON BAG CL OSING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed June 19.' 1924 [NYE V 01? Her/1 M52606! Ema/(50M I A 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 M. ERICKSON Fild June 19', 1924 BAG CLOSING METHOD AND APPARATUS Aug. 25, 1925.

Patented Aug. 25, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MARCUS A. ERICKSON, OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO O'RION PAPER .BAG CLOSING MACHINE COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF mnmnsora.

BAG-CLOSING METHOD AND APPARATUS.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MARCUS A. ERIOKSON, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Minneapolis, in the county of-Hennepin 6 and State of -Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Bag- Closing Methods and Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for closing the mouths of filled bags, and particularly for closing the mouths of paper bags filled with flour or similar material.

The invention consists generally in the method of closing a bag, usuallya filled paper bag, by first crimping and puckering the upper portion of the bag-walls and pressing the same into a stem or neck of approximately cylindrical form, then passing around the same a Wire closure that is sufficiently stifl and rigid or non-flexible to hold its shape under any pressure to which it is liable to be subjected in the handling of the bags, and then applying pressure to the wire and to the bag neck to compact the latter and to clamp the wire thereon thereby avoiding the necessity of twisting, tying or otherwise connecting the ends of the wire, which, as the wire is applied, are caused to lap by, but are usually not brought in contact with each other, the size to which the clamp is compressed depending upon the diameter of the neck into which the upper part of the bag is compacted by the pressure applied in pressing the clamping wire into its bag-closing position.

The invention consists further in the constructions and combinations hereinafter described and particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification:

, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a bag closing machine, constructed in accordance with my invention;

Figure 2 is a similar view looking in the direction at right angles to the plane of Figure 1, with a portion of the machine pedestal broken away;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the machine;

Figure 4 is a horizontal section looking in the direction of the arrow on line 4:-4: of Figure 6;

Figure 5 is a horizontal section looking in Figure 5;

Figures 7,.8 and 9 are views similar to Figure 5 showing substantially the same parts, but in'positions. that they occupy at other steps in the operation of the machine;

Figures 10 and 11 are detail plan views, partly broken away, of the dies for guiding and pressing the wire around the bag neck.

Figure 12 is a detail section on line-12-12 of Figure 10, looking in the direction of the arrow; Figures 13 and 14. are details of the clampmg wlres in the position they assume after being pressed about the neck of the bag, and illustrating the fact that the wire will be compressed into rings or bands of difi'erent sizes corresponding to the size of the bags to which it is applied, or to the thickness of the material of which the bags are formed.

Figures 15 and 16 are details of the main operating gear and the devices for periodically connecting the shaft by which certain of the mechanisms are operated;

Figure 17 is a side elevation and partial section of the telescoping driving shaft and its connection to the bag carrier;

Figure 18 is a detail section on line 18 of Figure 17, looking in the direction of the arrow;

Figure 19 is a side elevation showing the upper portion of a filled bag, after it has been compacted into a stem or neck, and closed by having a wire clamp applied thereto in accordance with my invention;

Heretofore it has been proposed to close paper bags after the same have been filled with flour or other materials, by crimping and puckering the upper part of the bag near the mouth into a neck or stem and tying a,

cord or twisting a wire around the same. v

Both of these methods are necessarily slow and where a fine wire is used the neck of the bag is liable to be cut by the wire. The forming of a knot or the twisting of a wire around the neck of the bag, even though done by machinery, requires considerable time, and interferes with the rapidity of the machine.

By my method of bag closing I crimp and pucker the upper part of the bag into a stem or neck, and then pass a stiff wire around said stem or neck, out off the wire and by suitable dies press and clamp it firmly around the neck of the bag, the smaller the bag and the less material enclosed by the wire, the smaller the loop or ring that will be formed by the wire as it is pressed into position by the operating die.

In the accompanying drawings I have illustrated a preferred construction of my ma chine, which in the form here shown, is self contained and portable.

T he machine frame.

The machine frame is preferably provided with a supporting platform 2, made portable by being provided with suitable rollers 3. This platform has arranged thereon a pedestal 4, in which is mounted a tubular column 5, carrying at its upper end a head 6, preferably in the form of a ring, as here shown. A hollow standard 7 is arranged within the column 5, and is provided with a stationary nut 8, through which extends an adjusting screw 9. A telescoping column 10 is arranged within the column 5, being provided, preferably at its lower end, with a guiding ring 11, the upper portion of the column 10 being guided by the ringhead 6. The telescoping member 10 has secured thereto a head 12 provided with the horizontally extending brackets 13 and 14 (Figures 1 and 2). An adjusting screw 9 is provided at its upper end with a bevel gear 15 (shown by dotted lines in Figure 1), which meshes with a gear 16 on a horizontal shaft 17 mounted in bearings in the bracket 14 and head 12, and provided with a crank 18. As will be seen by this means the head 12, with its brackets 13 and 14, can be raised and lowered with the column member 10, telescoping in the column 5, by turning the crank 18 and rotating the gears 16 and 15 and the adjusting screw 9. Turning the screw 9, in the stationary nut 8,-will raise or lower the head 12, and the brackets 13 and 14, and all of the parts of the machine supported thereby.

The bag carrier.

An endless belt 20 is preferably mounted upon rollers 21 and 22, having supporting shafts 23 and 24, mounted in bearings 26 and 27, secured to the horizontal carrier frame 28. The frame 28 is preferably supported by brackets 29 and 30 upon an adjustable sleeve 31 that surrounds the column 5, and is arranged to slide vertically thereon. An adjusting screw 32 is mounted in brackets 33 and 34, which are secured to the pedestal 4 and column head 6, and said screw passes through a nut 35, carried by an extension 36 of the sleeve 31. The upper end of the screw 32 is preferably rectangular, as shown at 37, so that a suitable wrench may be applied to said screw for the purpose of turning the same, and thereby raising or lowering the sleeve 31,the carrier frame,and the parts supported thereby. The brackets 13 and 14 have secured to them the horizontally extending angle iron plate 38 and a horizontal table 39, 44, is connected to the plate 38 by a series of hinges 40. A counterbalancing spring 41 is also preferably provided in connection with two of the hinges 40. One edge of the table section 39 extends diagonally as shown by that portion of the table edge between the reference numerals 42, 43. Thetable section 44 is arranged in the same plane as the table section 39, and is also provided with a diagonal edge extending between the points indicated by the reference numerals 46, 47. The table sections 39 and 44 are rigidly secured together by the arches 48 and 49 which have their ends secured to said sections and hold them in the desired position relative to each other. The diagonal edges of the table section 39 and 44, provide a V-shaped space between them, which space preferably comes directly over the carrier 20 (Figures 3 and 5).

This space receives the mouth of the bag as it is brought forward by the carrier 20, as hereinafter described.

T he driving mechanism.

Means are provided for operating the bag carrier, and the devices for crimping the bag, and for applying the wire thereto. Any suitable device may be used for driving the machine.

As here shown an upright hollow shaft 50 is mounted upon the platform 2, the lower end of the shaft being preferably arranged in a step 51, and the shaft being also provided with a bearing 52 carried by the bracket plate 36. This shaft is provided near its lower end with a bevel gear 53, which is engaged by a bevel pinion 54, provided on a horizontal shaft 55, mounted in bearings 56, one of which is preferably integral with the step 51. The shaft 55 carries a driving pulley 57, which may be driven by a belt 58, from a suitable electric motor 59, or power may be applied in any other suitable way to drive the pulley 57. The shaft 50 carries a bevel pinion 60, engaging a bevel gear 61, to which is connected a sprocket gear 62 in engagement with a driving chain 63, by means of which the roller 21 that drives the belt carrier 20 is operated (Figures 1, 2 and 17).

The upright shaft 50 has a telescoping section 64 arranged to rotate therewith (Figures 17 and 18), but capable of being extended as may be necessary to correspond to the adjustment of the supporting column 10. This shaft extension passes through the head 12 and has secured to its upper end a clutch member 65. By this arrangement, as the column 10 and head 12 are raised or lowered, the shaft extension 64 and the clutch member 65 are correspondingly moved.

The table section 39 has mounted therein a short vertical shaft 66 (Figures 3, 6 and 15) carrying at its lower end a clutch member 67, said clutch member engaging the clutch member 65 on the extension shaft 64, when the table 39, 44--i s in its normal or horizontal position. The shaft 66, which rotates continuously, is provided at its upper end with a gear 68 from which the operating mechanism of the wire-feedmg and applying devices is driven. This driving mechanism consists of a gear 69, in mesh with the'gear 68, driven continuously from the gear 68, and provided with an interior set of ratchet teeth 70 (Figures 6, 15 and 16, see also dotted line in Figure 4). The gear 69 which may be designated a master gear, is mounted loosely on the hub of a disc 71 that is secured to the short upright shaft 72.

The master gear 69 meshes with a pinion 73 (Figure 3) which in turn meshes with a gear 74, that is in mesh with a similar gear 75. Said gears 74 and 75 are secured to shafts 76 and 77, which carry also the sprockets 79 and 80 (shown by dotted lines in Figure 5), which operate the bag crimping chains 81 and 82.

It will be seen from the foregoing that when the power is applied to the driving pulley 57, the bag carrier and the crimping chains will be constantly driven. The

mechanism for feeding and applying the wire, however, is only driven at intervals and is brought into operation, as hereinafter described, when re uired to apply the wire to the bag after it as been crimped by the crimping chains and brought into position for the wire applying operation.

The gearing support and casing.

' Arranged upon the table 39, 44 and rigidly secured thereto, is a support and casing for the several gears 66, 68, 69, 74 and 75 bearings being provided for the shafts of these gears in said support, the lower ends of said shafts being provided with bearings in the table 39, 44. Thus the shafts 66, 72, 88 and 112 (Figures 6, 15 and 16) have their lower ends mounted in the table 39, 44, while the upper portions ofthe shafts have bearings in the lower wall 83 of the gear casing.

This gear casing and support is preferably a casting having 'a lower wall 83, formed as a substantially horizontal plate, provided at its ends with uprights 84, rigidly secured ,to the table 39, 44, as here shown, by bolts 85 (Figures 3, 4 and 6). An upright wall 1 86 is preferably formed integrally with the the wall 86 so as to enclose all of said gearing (Figures 6, 15 and 16) The bag operated trip.

Mounted in bearings in the plate 83 and the table section 44 is an upright shaft 88, carrying at its lower end a trip finger 89, normally extending across the narrow bag receiving passageway between the straight portions of the table sections 39 and 44 (Figures 5 and 6). The position of this trip is such that as the bag is fed forward its folded front edge comes in contact with the trip and moves it from its normal position, shown in Figures 5 and 9 to the position shown by dotted lines in F igure 7, resting against the side'of the bag, in which osition it remains until the rear edge 0 the bag has passed the trip, when, by means hereinafter described, it will be turned back into its normalposition extending across the space between the edges of the table sections.

The shaft 88 carries at its upper end a short crank 90 to which a short connecting bar 91, and a similar, but longer, bar 92 are connected. The connecting bar 91 is connected to the end of a pivoted dog 93, and the end of the bar 92 is connected to a pivoted dog 94, rovided with a lug 94 projecting towar s the disc 71, the parts operat: ing as hereinafter described.

Periodically operated connecting mewm.

As hereinbefore stated the disc 71 is mounted rigidly on the shaft 72 and the gear 69, provided with the internal ratchet 70, turns loosely on the hub of said'disc (Figures 15 and 16). -The disc 71 carries a dog that can be periodically thrown into and out of engagement with the ratchet 70 on the gear 69. When in such engagement, the disc 71 and shaft 72 will rotate with the gear 69., This dog, indicated as a whole by the reference numeral 95 (Figures 4, 15 and 16), is pivotally supported upon the disc 71 by the pin 96. It extends u ward into the recess in the lower part of t 0 car 69 and is provided with a V-shaped ed to engage the ratchet teeth 70in the gear 69. A- spring 98 carried by the disc 71, engages and tends to throw the tooth-97 into engagement with the ratchet teeth 70, thereby causing the disc 71 and shaft 72 to rotate with the gear 69. It will thus be seen that except when the dog 95 is held out of engagement with said ratchet teeth the disc 71 and shaft 72 will be connectedto the gear 69 and willrota-te therewith.

toot 97, adapt-' ,(see dotted lines Figure 4).

To permit the dog 95 to be disengaged from the ratchet at intervals it is provided with an outwardly projecting arm 99. When the parts of the machine are in their normal inoperative position, and before a bag has been brought between the crimping chains the dog 95 occupies the position indicated by dotted lines in Figure 4, and the dogs 93 and 94 that are controlled by the bag operated trip 89 are also in the positions indicated by dotted lines in Figure 4. When in this position the arm 99, on the dog 95, is in engagement with the periphery of the pivot 100 of the dog 94 When, however, the bag operated trip is moved by the contact therewith of the passing bag, and the dogs 93 and 94 are turned into the positions shown in full lines in Figure 4, the arm 99 of the dog 95 is released, a cutaway portion 101 of the pivot 100 being then broughtopposite the end of the arm 99. The spring 98 then throws the tooth 97, of the dog 95, into engagement with the ratchet 70 on the gear 69, locking the disc 71 and shaft 72, to the gear 69. Said parts then move together until the end of the arm 99 comes into contact with the end of the dog 93, (which will now be in the position shown by full lines in Figure 4), when the dog 93 will be again thrownout of engagement with the ratchet, and the movement of the disc 71, and shaft 72, and the parts operated thereby will cease.

As soon, however, as the bag completely passes the trip 89, pressure of the spring 98, acting through the arm 99, will turn the dog 93 sufficiently to release the arm 99 and permit the tooth 97 to again engage the ratchet teeth 70 in the gear 69. The disc 71 and shaft 72 will now travel with the gear 69 until the dog reaches the position shown by dotted lines in Figure 4, when the arm 99 will again encounter the pivot 100 of the dog 94 and this will again disengage the dog 95 from the ratchet a0, permitting the gear 69 to continue to rotate without turning the disc 71 and the shaft 7 2.

As above stated, when the bag trip is released by the passage of the bag, the spring 98 exerts sufiicient pressure on the end of the dog 93, to cause said dog to turn to such an extent as to release the arm 99, thereby permitting the disc 71 to be again connected to the ratchet, so that said disc, said shaft 72, and the ear 69 rotate together. This movement of the dog 93, caused by the pressure of the spring 98, will not, however, be sufficient to turn the dogs 93 and 94 into the position shown by dotted lines in Figure 4, or to turn the bag trip 89 into its normal position extending across the space between the table sections shown in Figures 5 and 9. For the purpose of completing the return movements of these dogs and of the bag trip, an upwardly projecting cam 71 is provided on the disc 71 (Figure 4). This cam is located in advance of the dog 95, and as the disc 71 rotates with the gear 69, the cam 71 comes in contact with the lug 94 on the dog 94, positively turning said dog into the position shown by dotted lines in Figure 4, bringing the uncut portion of the pivot 100 into the path of the arm 99, turning the dog 93 into the position shown by dotted lines in Figure 4, and turning the ba trip 89 across the space between the ta le sections, as shown in Figures 5 and 9 of the drawings. When, therefore, the arm 99 reaches, in its travel, the pivot 100 of the dog 94 it will come into contact with the periphery of said pivot, and, being prevented from further travel thereby, the do 95 will be moved against the tension 0 the spring 98, the tooth 97 will be disengaged from the ratchet, and the gear 69 will continue its rotation, while the disc 71 will remain stationary until again brought into action by the engagement of another bag with the bag trip 89. A spring controlled dog 71 engaging shoulders 71 prevents back movement of disc 71.

l fie 'wire cutting and fawning dies.

As previously stated the table sections 39 and 44 are arranged with the straight portions of their edges in proximity to each other but separated a suflicient distance to permit passage of the top portion of the bag therethrough, as indicated in Figures 5 and 7 of the drawings. The space thus provided between the edges of the table sections is widened beyond the crimping chains (see Figure 5) and I provide, at this point, a pair of wire cutting and forming dies, one of which is stationary and the other movable. When the movable die is open or in the position shown in Figure 5, the bag passage is open and the closed bag may be passed out of the machine. When the movable die is closed, or in the position shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, this passage is closed, and these parts, with a packer die, hereinafter described, provide means for compressing the upper part of the bag into a substantially cylindrical neck or stem and guide and press the clamp around the same.

As here shown the stationary die 102 is secured substantially at the corner of the main table section 39, as by suitable screws 103, and this die is provided near its inner corner with a recess 104. A swinging die holder 106 carrying the movable die 105 is pivotally supported at 105 on an arm 105 that is in turn pivotally supported at 106 on the table section 44.v The inner face of the die 105 is curved at 107 to form, with the curved surface 104, a holder or pocket into which the bag may be crowded to bring its upper portion into the form of a stem or neck to receive the wire clamp.

The movement of the movable die holder 106 is controlled from the ratchet operated disc 71, on the shaft 72, and the closing movement of the die takes place while the disc 71 is making that part of a revolution that moves the dog 95 from the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 4 to the position shown by the full lines in the same figure. When the parts connected with the bag operated trip are in the position shown in Figure 5, which is the position they occupy when the-machine is ready to receive a bag to be closed, the parts operated by the periodic movement of the disc 71 and the shaft 72, will occupy the positions shown in Figure 5.

Operating means for the movable die and bolder.

To produce the periodic movements of the movable die and other elements, the shaft 72 is provided with a crank arm 108 (Figures 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9), secured thereto and provided with rollers 109, 110, and 110*, the rollers 109 and 110, as here shown, being on top of the crank arm and the roller 110 below the arm (Figure 6). When the disc 71 is locked to the gear 69, as hereinbefore described, said disc will rotate, and, through the shaft 72, will cause the crank arm 108 to turn with said shaft. While this crank arm is turning with the shaft 72, the roller 110 will come in contact with the edge of the hook end of a pivoted cam 111. This cam is mounted and-turns on a short stationary shaft or pin 112, and has upon its lower edge a series of teeth 114 (see Figures 5, 7, 8 and 9). As the shaft 72 is rotated the roller 110", in engagement with the edge of the cam 111, moves said cam from the position shown in Figure 5 to the position shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9. A disc 115, provided with a series of gear teeth 116, engaging the teeth 114 on the cam 111 is .mounted on a short shaft 117 that carries a crank arm 118, connected by a bar 119 to a crank 120 on a shaft 121 pivoted on the table section 44. The shaft 121 is provided with a crank arm 122 and this has an adjustable connecting rod 123 pivoted to the swinging die holder 106 (Figure 4). I

As stated, at the beginning of a bag closing operation the die holder 106 stands in the open position shown in Figure 5, this being the position into which it is moved when a bag closing operation has been completed and the bag is discharged from the machine. When the bag that next enters the machine reaches the position shown in Figure 5 its forward edge engages the latch 89, and a further movement of the bag, as hereinbefore described, turns the trip 89 into position shown by dotted lines in F igand 9.

The packer die and its operating arm.

A packer die 124 is arranged above the surface of the table section 39 and is provided with a pin 126 engaging a slot 127 in said table section (Figure 7). The inner portion of the slot 127 extends diagonally to the line of travel of the bag, so that as the packer die is moved towards the wire forming and cutting dies it is first moved laterally or towards the space between the table sections until it is brought into position where the recess 125 stands centrally over the space between the crimping chains and in position to engage the rear edge of the crimped bag. The diagonal portion of the slot 127 opens into a portion that extends parallel to the straight edge of the table section 39, and parallel to the line of feed of the bag, so that the packer die 124, in the second part of its movement towards the cutting die, as hereinafter described, travels parallel to the line of feed of the bag, and the recess 125, in the end of the packer die, engages the rear edge of the crimped upper part of the bag and pushes the same forward, puckering and compressing it into a substantially cylindrical and quite solid neck or stem, which is firmly compacted between said packer die, the stationary die 102, and the movable die 105 (Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11).

packer arm is provided to move the packer die 124 from the position shown in Figure 7, to the position shown in Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11, which operation compacts the upper portion of the bag into the substantially cylindrical stem or neck as represented in Figures 8 and 9, as above stated.

The packer arm 128 is pivoted upon the stationary shaft 112 and extends across the table substantially to the bag guiding space between the table sections. The arm 128 is curved for a portion of its length, passing to one side of the shaft 72. It is provided with a preferably straight end portion, the central line of which extended passes through or near the center of the stationary shaft 112. The extreme end of the packer arm extends downward as shown in Figure 6. Pivoted to the packer arm, preferably at substantially the point 129, is a short arm 130 carrying a lug 131. The packer die 124 is connected to the arm 130, as indicated at 132. A bolt 133 passing through the packer arm' near its end, and through the lug 131 on the arm 130, is provided at its end with adjusting nuts 134 between which and the into which the top of the bag is compressed.

' This connection permits the packer .die to yield sufliciently to accommodate itself 'to bags of different sizes, or bags formed of different thicknesses of material. .The packer die is moved from the position shown in Figure 7 to the position shown in Figure 8 by the movement of the crank arm 108. The small roll 110 on the crank arm engages the inner curved surface of the packer arm and moves the arm from the position shown in Figure 7 to the position shown 1n Figure 8, thereby moving the packer die 124 into the position shown in Figure 8, and compacting the upper end'of the bag into a substantially cylindrical stem or neck (Figures 8, 9 and 19).

When the crank arm 108 reaches the position shown in Figure 8 the packer arm will have reached the limit of its movement, and thereafter the roll 110 will move along the curved surface of the packer arm 128 without imparting any movement to said packer arm or the packer die. The packer arm is provided with an inwardly extending lug 136 having a curved surface, which is in position to be engaged by the roll 109 on the crank 108 (Figure 9). As the crank moves from the position shown in Figures 8 and 9 to the position shown in Figure 5, the packer arm and packer die will be returned to their original position (Figure 5 and 7).

The wire supporting reel.

The wire that is used for forming the bag closures is of such size and rlgidity that when it is clamped around the bag neck, as illustrated in Figure 19, with its ends lapping by each other, the bag will be securely closed against any pressure to which it may be subjected in ordinary handling. I have used for this purpose a No. 14 gauge wire. The wire from which these closures are formed is preferably carried upon a reel 137 mounted upon a stud 138, carried by a suitable hanger 139, preferably secured to the angle iron plate 38. One face of the reel is preferably provided with a disc 140, the edge of which is engaged by a suitable friction brake 141, to prevent over-running of the reel as the wire is drawn therefrom. The wire 142 preferably passes from the reel through a hollow cable 143 to the feed wheels hereinafter described. The outer end of the cable is preferably supported by a bracket 144 (Figure 2), and the inner end of the cable may be retained in proper reguiding cable 143, and a plate 146 is secured to the bottom of the table section and extends across said cutaway portion, thus forming a depresslon substantially equal to the thickness of! the plate that constitutes the table section. Located in the recess thus formed are the wire feed wheels 147, 148. The wheel 148 is mounted upon a fixed stud 149, while the wheel 147 is mounted upon a stud 150 carried by a swinging yoke 151. One end of the yoke 151 is pivoted to a stationary bearing, and the other end is connected to a rod 152 that extends through a plate 153 at the edge of the plate 146. A spring 154surrounds the rod 152. and tends to swing the yoke 151 inward'and to hold the periphery'of the feed wheel 147 in contact with the periphery of the wheel 148. The

end of the rod 152 is pivotally connected to a handle 155, having a cam surface on its end, whereby when the handle is swung upward into the horizontal position indicated in Figure 5 of the drawings the wheel 147 will be moved out of feeding contact with the wheel 148.

For periodically feeding the wire the wheel 148 has secured to its upper surface a recessed disc 156, such recesses opening through the periphery of thedisc and being in position to be engaged by the roll 110 on the under side of the crank arm 108. As this crank arm turns from the position shown, in Figure 8 to the position shown in Figure 9 the roller 110 enters one of the recesses in the disc and turns said disc and the feed wheel 148 one step, equal, in the present instance, to one-fifth of a revolution of the disc and feed wheel. The wire at this time being gripped between the feed wheels will be moved forward at each partial rotation of the feed wheels, the proper distance to pass a closing wire around the neck of the bag.

As the wire leaves the feed wheels 147, 148, it passes through a guide 157 arranged in the stationary die 102 (Figures 10 and 11). It then passes through a curved groove 160 in the end of the movable die 105 and then into a groove 161 in the end of the packer die 124, the groove 161 being inclined and connecting with a groove 162 (see dotted lines in Figure 11), throu h which the end of the wire passes below t e part of the wire that is in the groove 160 in the end of the movable die. This causes the end of the wire to lap by or under the part of the wire that is held by the movable die. as illustrated in Figures 13, 14 and 19.

The die holder 106 that carries the movtact with the bag a swiveled lug 168 tongue and in the end of the packer die then forms a continuation of the groove in wheels, is carried around the stem of the bag and brought into position with its ends overlapping, as shown in Figure 19.

The wire cutting and clamping means.

It will be understood that with the fixed die 102 and the movable die 105 in their closed position, .as shown for example in Figure 10, the action of the packer die in forcing the crimped bag into the space between its curved end, and the curved surfaces of the dies 102 and 105, will compress and compact the upper part of the bag into a very firm substantially cylindrical stem or neck, 165, as indicated in Figures 8 and 9. While the bag neck is held in this compacted condition the wire, as described, is pafied around it, being directed in a slightly spiral shape, so that the end of the advancing wire passes by the portion 01: the wire first in connec The swinging die holder v106 is, as before stated, pivotally supported upon the pivoted arm 105. This arm has a lug 166. A bolt 167 passes through said lug and through carried by the table section 44. The bolt 167 is provided, with suitable adjusting nuts, and a spring 169 surrounds said bolt. bearing at one end upon the lug 166 on the arm 105, and its other end against the lug 168 carried by the table section. By means of this connection the movable die holder and movable die can be adjusted so as to bring the parts of the movable die into proper relation to the fixed die, and the packer die. 7

The die holder 106 is provided with 8, lug,

170, and a lever 171, pivoted at 172- on the plate of the fixed die, is provided with an operating end 173 engaging the lug 17 0, on,

the movable die holder. The opposite end of the lever 171 is provided with a lug 174 which stands in position to be engaged by the roller 110 on the crank arm 108 imme diately after said crank arm. has been disengaged from the recessed disc on the feed wheel 148 (Figure 9). This engagement of the crank arm with the lever 171 ca-ums the end of the said lever to move the movable die holder 106, and the movable die 105, causing the latter to pass from the position shown in Figure 10 to'that shown in Figure 11, and the movement of said die across the end of the tube 157 shears off the wire. The continued movement of said movable die clamps said wire very tightly around the bag neck, the ends of the wire sliding past each other (Figure 19) to any extent that may I be necessary depending upon the size and rigidity of the bag neck. This action will complete the closing of the bag, and, as before stated, the wire that is'used for this pur se being of suflicient size and, sufiicient is pressed, under all ordinary conditions of handling the bag, no tying or twisting of the ends of the wire As the packer 'die is held against the bag stem by the pressure of the spring 135 chine for closing bags of different sizes or bags differing in thickness of material. The manner of supporting the movable die holder 106 upon the swinging arm permits suflicient movement of the movable die to permit the shearing off of the wire as hereinbefore described.

After the closing wire has been properly clamped about the bag neck the further movement of the operating arm restores the parts to their original position, the roll 110 on the crank arm, first engaginga projection 111' on the cam 111 (Figure 9) which swings the movable die holder 106 1nto the open position shown in Figure 5. The en gagement of the roll 109, with-the lug 136, brings the packer die back into the position shown in Figure 7 and the parts will be in position for the next operation of the machine.

Operation of crimping chains.

The crimping chains 81 and 82 are preferably arranged to run at a slightly greater speed than the bag carrier 20. The result is that the tops of the bags are moved forward slightly faster than the bottoms of the bags resting on the carrier.

top of the bag to incline forward. As the top portion is thus carried forward and as the bag is gathered at the neck, a strain is placed upon the sides of the bag. To prevent an'y tearing of the bag due to this action the bag is lifted so as to relieve the strain on the sides thereof. This lifting is accomplished by causing the carrier supporting the bag to move m an upwardlyin- 1 rigi ity to retain the position into which it there may be conslderable variation in the sizes of bags,

such as. will be occasioned by using the ma- Whe'n the bag top reaches the dies by which thewire I casing, the cover 87 The hinged connection for the table.

For the purpose of permitting ready access to the mechanism enclosed above the plate 83, and within the walls 86 of the position by screws or other means permitting it to be readily removed. The table 39, 44, being hin ed to the frame of the machine, as state by the hinges 40, having the counterbalancing spring 41 connected therewith, said table and the parts carried thereby may be conveniently raised making it easy for the o erator to reach the parts carried by the ta 1e. As the only connection between the mechanism carried by the table and the mechanism carried by the frame of the machine is through the clutch 65, 67, which separates when the table is raised it will be seen that the table may be turned at any time to a vertical position.

The bag closing method.

My new method of closing bags by applying and pressing into position around the neck of the bag a metal clip that may be clamped firml around bags of varying sizes, the ends 0 the clips sliding by each other as the clip is compressed against the bag neck will be readily understood from the foregoing specification. While I have illustrated wire as the means" for forming the clips I do not wish to limit m self to the use of any articular size or s ape of metal for forming the clips. Instead of being a round wire, a narrow flat band may be employed for this purpose. It is essential, however, that the metal employed for the clip-possesses suflicient rigidity to maintain its shape, after bei pressed into poagainst all ordisition around the bag nec which the filled nary pressure or strains to bags may be subjected.

I do not limit myself to the details of the construction of the machine herein dis closed as the same may be varied or moditied in many ways without departing from my invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. The method of closing a filled bag 1. which consists in advancing the bag wit its open end uppermost compacting the htly up hill. The fasis preferably secured metallic strip,

clip with its ends free and disconnected, and

upper part of the walls of the bag into a substantially solid neck, passing around said neck ametallic strip, severing the same to forma clip with free and disconnected ends, and then compressing the said clip upon the bag neck, said cli being composed of material having. su cient rigidity when compacted upon the bag neck, to maintain its form against the pressure or strain to which it may be subjected in the handling of the bag.

2. The method of closing a bagwhich consists in advancing said bag and while in transit compacting the upper part of the walls of the bag into a substantially solid neck, passing around said neck a metallic strip, severing the same to form a clip with its ends in position to overlap and pass each other, compressing said clip against the bag neck,'the ends of the clip sliding past each other as the clip is compressed, said clip being composed of material having sufiicient rigidity when clamped upon the bag neck, to maintain its form against pressure or strain to which it may be subjected in the handling of the bag.

3. The method of closing a bag which consists in support-ing the same in vertical position, crimping and compacting the upper part of the walls of the bag'into a substantially solid neck, passing around said neck a severing the same to form a compressin said clip upon the bag neck, said clip being composed of material having sufiicient'rigidity, when compacted upon the bag neck, to maintain its form against the ressure or strains to which it may be subjected in the handling of the bag.

4. A bag closing machine having in nation, means for progressing a bag, endless flexible means traveling in convergingpaths for gradually and progressively bringlng the sides of the bag neck portion together including means for crimping said neck portion.

combi- Inn 5. The method of closing a filled paper bag, which consists in advancing said bag,

crimping the upper part of the walls of the bag while in transit, com actin said crimped 'walls into a substantia 1 solid neck or stem, passing around said nec a metallic clip, severing the same to form a clip with 1 its ends free and disconnected and in position to overlap and pass each other, and compressing said clip against said bag neck, the ends of the clip sliding past each other as the clip is compressed, said metallic clip being composed of material having sufiicient rigidity, when clamped upon the bag neck to maintain its form against pressure or strain to which it may be subjected in the handling of the bag.

6. A machine of the class described, having in combination, means for supporting and advancing a bag in vertical position, means for compacting the upper part of the walls of a bag into the form of a neck, means for feeding a metallic strip, guiding it around said neck and severing the same to form a clip-with free and disconnected ends, and means for compressing said clip upon the bag neck.

7. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with means for supporting and advancing a bag in vertical position, of

means for compacting the upper part of the walls of said bag into a substantially solid neck, means for feeding a metallic strip, guiding it around the bag neck and severing the' same to form a clip with free and disconnected ends, and means for simu1tane ously compressing the bag neck and clamping said clip thereon.

8. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with means for compacting the upper part of the walls of a paper bag into the form of a neck, of means for feeding a metallic strip, guiding it spirally aroun said neck and severing the same to form a clip with free and disconnected overla ping ends, and means for compressing sai clip around the bag neck.

9. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with means for supporting and traversing a ba in vertical position, of means for crimplng and compacting the u er part of the walls of abag into t e orm of a neck, means for feeding a metallic strip, guiding it spirally around said neck and severing the same to form a cli with free and disconnected overlapping en s, and means for compressing said clip around the bag neck.

10. In a machine of the class described,

the combination, with means for supporting and traversing a bag in vertical position, of' means for crimping the upper part of the walls of said bag durin transit, means for compacting said crim e walls into the form of a neck, means for eeding a metallic strip, guiding it around said neck and severing the same to form a clip with free and disconnected ends, and means for subsequently compressing said clip upon the bag neck.

' 11. A bag closing machine having in com bination, means for supporting and progressing a bag, means for gnadually and progressively bringing the sides of the bag neck portion together and crimping the same, means for com ressing said neck portion into substantia ly cylindrical form, and means for guiding a wire around said compressed neck portion and severing said wire to form a fastener and compressing 'sald neck portion and fastener, said wire being of suflicient rigidity to hold said neck portion in compressed, enclosed condition.

12. In a machine of the class described,

the combination, with means for supportmg a bag in vertical position, of means for compacting the upper art of the walls of a big into the form 0? a neck, means for feeding a metallic strip, guiding it around said neck and severing the same to form a clip with free and disconnected ends, and means for simultaneously compressing the bag neck and the severed clip thereon and causing the ends of the clip during the compressing action to slide by each other.

13. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with means for support-- ing a paper bagl in vertical position, of means for crimping t e upper part of the walls of a paper bag, and means for compacting the same into the form of a neck, of means for feeding a metallic strip, guiding it around said neck and severing the same to form a clip with free and disconnected ends, and means for subsequently compressing said clip upon the bag neck.

14. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with means for supporting and moving a filled bag, and means for compacting the u per part of the Walls of the bag into the orm of a neck while said bag is being moved, of means for feeding a metallic strip, guiding it around the bag neck and severing the same to form a clip with free and disconnected ends, andmeans for compressing said clip upon the bag neck said last two means operating while said bag is being moved.

15. In a machine of the class described,

the combination, with means for supporting and moving a filled paper bag, means for crimping the upper part of the walls of the ba and moving said upper part faster than the supported portion of said bag, means for compacting said u per crimped part into the form of anec while said supported portion of the bag is being moved, of means for feeding a metallic strip, guiding .it around the bag neck and severing the same to form a clip with free and disconnected ends, and means'for compressing said clip upon the bag neck said last mentioned means 0 erating while the supported portion of sai bag is being moved.

16. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with a table formed of sections arranged with a bag feeding space between them, of a pair of endless chains extending parallel to the edges of the table sections, said chains being provided with crimping lugs alternately arranged and adapted to engage and crimp the upper part of the walls of a bag, traveling between said table sections, anda carrier arranged to support and move a. bag through the bag the combination, with a table formed of sections arranged with a bag feeding space between them, of a pair of endless chains extending parallel to the edges of the table sections, said chains being provided wlth alternately arranged crimping lugs adapted to enga e and crimp the upper part of the walls 0 a bag traveling between said table sections, a carrier arranged to support and move a bag through the bag feeding space, and means for moving the chains at a speed greater than the travel of the carrier, for the purpose set forth.

18. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with a table formed of sections arranged with a bag feeding space between them, of a pair of endless chains extending parallel to the edges of the table sections, and arranged to engage and crimp the upper part of the walls of a bag traveling between said table sections, a carrier arranged to support and move a bag through the bag feeding space, and means for moving the chains at a speed greater than the travel of the carrier, for the purpose set forth.

19. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with a table provided with a bag feeding space, of endless chains extending parallel to and on opposite sides of said space and arranged to engage and crimp the upper part of the walls of a bag traveling through 'said space, a carrier arranged to support and move a bag while its upper portion is being gripped by said chain, and means for moving the chains at a speed greater than the travel of the car rier, for the purpose set forth.

20. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with a table provided with a converging bag feeding space, of means for feeding the upper portion of the walls of a filled bag through said space and simultaneously crimping the same, means for compacting the crimped portion of said walls into a bag neck, means for feeding a metallic strip around said bag neck and severing the same to form a bag closing clip, and means for subsequently compressing said clip around said bag neck.

21. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with a table provided with a bagfeeding space, and means for feeding the upper portion of the walls of a bag through said space, of-a movable die arranged to be moved across said space to close the same, a movable packer die arranged to engage a bag passing through said space and to pack the same against said movable die, thereby compressing the upper part of the walls of the bag into a neck, means for feeding a metallic strip around said bag neck, and means for operating said movable die to sever said strip to form a bag closing clip, the action of said I die compacting the bag neck and clamping the metallic clip thereon.

22. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with a table provided with a bag feeding space, and means for feeding the upper portion of the walls of a bag to said space, of a stationary die arranged at the exit end of the bag feeding space, a movable die arranged to be moved into proximity to said stationary die, thereby closing the end of the bag feeding space, and a packer die arranged to engage a bag passing through said feeding space and to compact the same against the dies closing the feeding space, and means for applying a closing clip to the neck of the bag while held by said dies.

23. The combination with a bag feeding and crimping means, of means for compacting the crimped bag neck, means adjacent sald compacting .means and .co-operating therewith for passing a metallic strip around the compacted bag neck, means for severing said strip forming a clip With free and disconnected ends, and means for clamping said strip upon said bag neck.

24. A bag closing machine having in combination, means for supporting and continuously progressing a bag in vertical position,

means forfolding and crimplng the neck portion of said bag while in transit, means for momentarily holding said crimped neck portion and compressing the same, and means for guiding a strip of material about said neck portion, severing said strip to form a fastener, and subsequently clamping said fastener tightly about said neck portion during said momentary halting of said neck portion and then releasing said neck portion to permit the same to continue its gravel with the continuously progressed '25. The combination with continuously operating means for feeding a bag and crimping the upper portion of its walls, of periodically operating means, controlled by the movement of the bag, for compacting the bag neck, passing a metallic strip around the same, severing said strip and forming a clip with free and disconnected ends, and simultaneously com ressing the bag neck and clamping the c ip thereon.

26. The combination with continuously operating means for continuously feeding a bag, of periodically operating means, controlled by the movement of the bag, for compacting the bag neck, passing a metallic strip around the same, severing said strip to form a clip with free and disconnected ends, and simultaneously compressing the bag neck and clamping the clipthereon.

27. The combination with means for continuously feeding a filled bag, of" periodically operating means, controlled by the movement of the bag, for compacting the bag neck, passing a metallic strip around the same, severing said strip to form a clip with free and disconnected ends, and clamping the strip on the bag neck.

28. The combination with means for feeding a filled bag, of means, controlled by the movement of the bag and operating periodically and in succession for (1) compacting the upper part of the bag into a neck, (2) passing a metallic strip around the bag neck, (3) severing said strip to form a clip in position on the bag neck, and having free and disconnected ends, and (4) compressing the bag neck and clamping the clip thereon.

29. The combination, with continuously operating means for feeding a bag, said means comprising a continuously driven.

master gear, of means controlled by the movement of the bag, and thereby periodically connected with said master gear to be driven thereby, for (l) compacting the bag neck, (2) passing a metallic strip around the bag neck, (3) severing said strip to form a clip having free and disconnected ends, and in position on the bag neck, and (4) compressingthe bag neck and clamping the clip thereon.

30. The combination, with continuously operating means for feeding a bag, and a master gear continuously operated from the bag feeding means, of a trip arranged in the path of the moving bag, means for applying a bag closing clip to the neck of the bag, said clip app-lying mechanism being actuated from said master gear, means, controlled by said trip, for connecting the clip applying mechanism to the master gear for one part of the operation when the trlp 1s engaged by the bag, and means foragain connecting the clip applying mechanlsm to the master gear, for completing the clip applying operation, when the passage of the bag releases said trip.

31.. The combination, in. a machine of the class described, with a table provided with a bag feeding space,.and means for moving a bag with its upper portion traveling in said space, of periodically actuated means for closing and opening said space, said means, when closed, operating as a die against which the neck of the bag may be compacted, and, when open, permitting the passage of the bag out of the machine said last mentioned means also constituting a severing die and fastener clamping devlce.

32.. The combination, in a machine of the class described, with a table providedwith a bag feeding space, and means for moving a bag with its upper portion traveling in said space, of periodically actuated means for closing and opening said space, sa1 d means, when closed, operating as a d1e against which the neck of the bag may be compacted, and by which'a metallic strip may be guided in its travel around the bag neck, and said means, when open, permitting the bag to pass from said bag feeding space out of the machine.

33. The combination, in a machine of the class described, with a table provided with a bag feeding space, and means for moving a bag with its upper portion traveling in said space, of a die, pivotally supported in proximity to the discharge end of the bag feeding space, and means for periodically moving said die into and out of position to close said space and subsequently to farther move said die to sever a fastener-forming wire and clamp the same about said bag, for the purpose set forth.

34. The combination, in a machine of the class described, with means for feeding a bag, of a die arranged to be moved into the line of travel of said bag, and provided with means upon its die face for guidin a metallic strip, and a reciprocating pac er die also provided with a guide upon its die face, and means for moving said acker die to compact a bag neck between itself and said first named-die, said dies when'brou ht together, to enclose the bag.neck, providing a guide through which a metallic strip may be passed circumferentially around the bag neck, for the purpose set forth.

35. The combination, in a machine of the class described, with means for feeding a bag, of a die against the face of which the bag neck may be moved, said die being provided with means upon its die face for guidinga metallic strip, and a reciprocating packer die, also provided with a guide upon its die face, and means for moving said, packer die to compact a ba neck between itself and said first named die, said dies when brought together enclosing the bag neck and providing a guide through which a metallic strip may be passed circumferentially around the bag neck, for the purpose set forth.

36. The combination, in a machine of the class described, with means for feeding a bag, of a die against. the face of which the bag neck may be moved, said die being provided with means upon its die face for guiding a metallic strip, a reciprocating packer die, also provided with a guide upon its face, means for moving said packer die to compact a bag neck between itself and said first named die, said dies when brought together enclosing the bag peck and providing a guide through whicli 'a metallic strip may be passed circumferentially around the bag neck, means for feeding a metallic strip around the bag neck through the guide in the faces of said dies, and means for moving one of said dies, after the metallic strip has been so fed, to sever the stri compact the bag neck and clamp the 011p severed from said metallic strip upon the bag neck.

37. The combination, in a machine of the class described, with means for feeding a bag, of oppositely arranged dies arranged to enclose and compact the neck of a bag, said dies being provided with guides for guiding a metallic strip circumferentially around a bag neck enclosed by said die, means for feeding a metallic strip through said guide and means for moving one of the dies to sever said strip and clamp the clip thus formed upon said bag neck.

38. The combination, in a machine of the class described, with means for feeding a bag, of a die arranged to be moved into and out of the path of travel of said bag, said die being provided with means upon its die face for guiding a metallic strip, a packer die co-operating with said first named die to enclose a bag neck and to direct a metallic strip around said bag neck, means for feeding a metallic strip through said guide, means for severing a bag closing clip from said strip, means for clamping said clip upon the bag neck and means for separating said dies and moving them out ofthe line of travel of said bag.

39. The combination, in a machine of the class described, with means for feeding a bag, of a die against the face of which the bag neck may be moved, a packer die, means for moving said packer die to compact a bag neck between itself and said first named die, means upon the faces of said dies for guiding a metallic strip around the enclosed bag neck, means for severing said strip to form a bag closing clip, and means for clamping said clip upon the bag neck.

40. The combination, in a machine of the class described, with means for feeding a bag, of a die, pivotally supported in proximity to the line of travel of the bag, means for periodically moving said die into the line of travel of said bag, and means for compacting the neck of the bag against said die.

41. The combination, in a machine of the class described, with means for feeding a bag, of a die, pivotally supported in proximity to the line of travel of the bag, means for periodically moving said die into the line of travel of said bag, and yielding means for compacting the neck of the bag against said die, for the purpose set forth.

42. The method of handling a bag which consists in supporting and in continuously progressing the same in vertical position, bringing the top portions of the sides of said bag together and crimping the same while in transit, momentarily halting said crimped top portion and compressing the same into a substantially cylindrical neck, passing a strip of stiff metal about said neck and severing said strip to form a fastener, compressing said fastener on said neck and then releasing said neck portion to permit it to continue its travel with the main supported portion of said bag.

43. The method of handling a bag which consists in supporting and continuously progressing the same in vertical position, bringing the top side portions of the bag together during transit and moving said top portion faster than the supported portion of said bag and crimping said top portion, whereby said top portion inclines forwardly momentarily halting said top portion and compressing the same into a substantiall cylindrical neck, passing a strip of sti metal about said neck and severing the same to form a fastener, compressing said fastener on said neck, and then releasing said neck portion to permit it to continue its travel with the main supported portion of said ba 44. The combination, in a machine of the class described, with means for feeding a bag, of a die against the face of which the bag may be moved, a packer die, yielding means for moving said packer die to compact a bag neck between itself and said first named die, means upon the faces of said dies for guiding a metallic strip around the enclosed bag neck, means for severing said strip to form a bag closing clip with free and disconnected ends, and means for clamping said clip upon the bag neck.

45. The method of handling a bag which consists in supporting and continuously progressing the same in vertical position, bringing the top side portions of the bag together during transit and moving said top portion faster than the supported portion of said bag and crimping said top portion, whereby said top portion inclines forwardly, momentarily halting said top portion and compressing the same into a substantially cylindrical neck, passing a strip of stiff metal about said neck and severing the same to form a fastener,- compressing said fastener on said neck, and raising said bag to prevent tearing thereof just before and while said fastener is being placed thereon, severed and clamped about said neck portion and then releasing said top portion and continuing its'travel with said supported portion.

46. In a bag closing machine, means for progressing a bag and traveling flexible means operating during such progression for gradually and progressively flattening the neck portion of said bag for bringing the sides of said neck portion into substantially one plane, said means having interengaging members thereon adapted to crimp said neck portion as it passes therebetween.

47. In a machine of the class described, means for moving the sides of a bag neck toward each other comprising a pair of flexible endless opposed traveling members hav- 

